STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA FOUNDATION INAUGURATION OF SCF PRESIDENT TOMMY GREGORY
The State College of Florida Foundation was founded in 1978 by a group of community leaders who wanted to ensure that our local college would meet future challenges. Today, the SCF Foundation remains focused on raising funds for scholarship opportunities for all State College of Florida Manatee, Sarasota (SCF) students, as well as academic program enhancements such as classroom equipment, building improvement and replacement, and faculty development. The organization
also empowers the College to remain financially flexible through economic hardships and natural disasters in our community by providing funding for emerging and emergency needs.
The SCF Foundation is able to make this impact through generous individual donations, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and three flagship fundraising events that bring the community together for a cause. Each year, the SCF Foundation hosts three fundraising events that draw support from the community: the “Annual Scholarship Luncheon” at Michael’s on East, “Evening Under the Stars” on the SCF Venice campus, and “Avenues to the Future” on the SCF Bradenton campus.
This year’s “Avenues to the Future: The Inauguration Dinner” will be a distinct and unique event to celebrate SCF President Tommy Gregory, on Friday, February 7, 2025. That morning, he will have been inaugurated as its seventh president.
The SCF Foundation welcomes the community for an unforgettable evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a lively outdoor cocktail hour featuring an open bar, passed appetizers, and music by the SCF Presidential Jazz Combo. As guests mingle, they can greet President Gregory and follow his journey along our “Avenue of Art,” which will highlight his life and career alongside inspiring SCF student stories and faculty spotlights – reflecting our mission to make higher education accessible for all.
The celebration then moves indoors for a delectable surf and-turf dinner catered by
Pier 22, with heartfelt remarks from community leaders, the SCF Foundation Board, and President Gregory himself.
As the night continues, the Trevor Bystrom Band takes the stage for dancing, a champagne toast, and dessert, with special features throughout the evening to honor President Gregory’s military and community service, family, and dedication to SCF.
President Gregory brings a wealth of leadership as only SCF’s seventh president in its 67-year history. A United States Air Force veteran, former State Representative, and respected Sarasota attorney, he now oversees the education of over 20,000 SCF students, spanning from high school to adult learners across three campuses – soon to be four with a new Parrish campus in development.
“It’s not every day you get to inaugurate a new college president,” said Cassandra Holmes, Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the SCF Foundation. “President Gregory’s enthusiasm for our college and its mission has
been felt around campus for the past three months, and this event will spread that energy to the entire community.”
To be a part of the legacy, connect with the SCF Foundation as a donor, sponsor, alum, volunteer, or event attendee. Your support drives scholarships and program enhancements that empower students and strengthen our region – just as our
founders intended. Don’t miss this historic night of excitement and purpose at “Avenues to the Future: The Inauguration Dinner” on February 7, 2025. For tickets, visit SCF-Foundation.org or contact the SCF Foundation at 941-752-5390 or
[email protected].